Baptisms
Water is a powerful symbol of renewal, rebirth, cleansing, and covenant. Presbyterians use water to baptize adults on their profession of faith, as well as the children of church members. Many Presbyterians are baptized as infants as a sign of God’s love and in recognition of their unconditional inclusion into the church. Baptism into the community of faith takes place publicly, during a worship service. Sometimes arrangements are made to hold a special, public worship service in a space other than the sanctuary, such as a lakeshore or river bank. Whether by using a traditional Baptismal Font for sprinkling water on the head or through full immersion at an outdoor body of water, baptisms are only done once. Should someone wish to reaffirm their baptism, a special anointing service is used that celebrates God’s grace and love. As there is one body, there is one Baptism (Ephesians 4:4–6). The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recognizes all Baptisms with water in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit administered by other Christian churches.
Weddings
Many generations of families can trace a specific wedding day to the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Sandpoint. The Session (Governing Group of Ruling Elders) of First Presbyterian Church has developed a Wedding Policy and must approve all wedding requests. The policy lists out the fee structure, various instructions, and collects contact information. Pre-marital conversations with the Pastor, or with a counselor on special arrangement, are required. All weddings held on church property shall be administered by the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church. Wedding services may also be held offsite, such as at a home or outdoor setting.
Couples who wish to be married at First Presbyterian Church should begin by contacting the church office to arrange a tentative date, request a copy of the Wedding Policy, and to coordinate with the Pastor for pre-marital conversations.
Funerals and Memorials
Our Christian theology shapes not only our beliefs about death, but also how we celebrate the life of the one who has died. The name of the service on the occasion of death is The Service of Witness to the Resurrection, reflecting our fundamental belief that, in Christ, death has been conquered, and the promise of eternal life is affirmed. Services are provided for both church members and non-members, and can be scheduled by contacting the church office.